Bitter Truths (The Denton Family Legacy 3)

“No, normal, normal. Where I haven’t trained and had guys attacking me in all kinds of ways. Sometimes I wish I could have been a normal girl with normal worries, like guys, and prom, and finding the right clothes. I missed it all, and when I’m alone, I wonder if that is the life Lionel would have wanted for me.”

“I believe he would have wanted a sister who could care for herself, and not rely on anyone.”

“I bet you hate that you fell in love with me.”

“Not at all, babe. Not at all.”

She passed out in his arms, and he kept her close to his heart, knowing that he was never going to let her go. Never.

****

La

ndon knocked on Sarah’s bedroom door. His hands were shaking as he waited for her to answer. She had been with them a couple of days now, and he’d used every excuse he could to ignore his father.

He knew without a doubt that Maddox Denton was waiting to find out what the hell was going on with him. The truth was, he didn’t have the first clue what was wrong. Most days he knew he had to stay home, and take his rightful place within the family. Then he’d think about Sarah, and the thought of leaving her cut him up inside.

She opened the door and smiled at him. “Hello there. Are we out on another adventure or can we just chill out, and watch some films or something?”

Her British accent made him smile.

“We can hang out, chill, whatever you want.”

“Great. I can’t deal with more walking around and stuff. My legs are starting to ache. I thought this whole holiday was supposed to be relaxing.” She chuckled as she climbed on the bed, and patted the space beside her.

He climbed on, knowing she didn’t feel the rush of heat that he did, nor did she feel the rush of happiness at simply being close to him.

She pointed the remote at the screen, turned the movie on, and rested her head against his shoulder.

“I’ve really enjoyed spending time away from home, Landon. You’re so sweet to me.”

“Hey, you’re the one that was willing to be friends with the American.”

“No one cared that you were an American. They didn’t like your bad attitude, which I don’t get. You were really nice to me.”

“I’m only ever nice to you. I can’t be done with all of those false bitches. Told you before.”

She chuckled. “Your family is nice as well. Very supportive. Your mom took me into the kitchen earlier, and we made cheese bread. It was fun.”

“My mom is the best.”

“I wish I could stay here for the rest of my life,” she said, snuggling in close. “You make me so happy, Landon.”

He hoped, whenever she realized who his family was, she would still find happiness with him.

Chapter Eight

“I never knew you could cook,” Lou said, taking a seat at the kitchen counter.

Ruby nodded, and continued to flip the chicken breasts that she had marinating. After last night, and waking to the worst headache on the planet, she had needed time with some of the Denton women. Not Charlotte either, or Tamsin. They were too closely related to Oliver, and she needed her space right now. She remembered the kiss, and her admission of what she wanted from life.

It was embarrassing. She had totally embarrassed herself, and there was no way back from that.

“I love to cook. It was something that my brother always wanted me to do,” she said with a shrug.

“The pain eases a little,” Lou said.

“I’m so sorry for the two of you. I don’t think I could have handled losing a loved one, and you’ve lost someone so dear, your brother,” Harper said.